honey bee hive management

How to Light a Bee Smoker (and Keep It Lit)

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A beekeeper holding a stainless steel smoker releasing white smoke, preparing to begin a hive inspection on a sunny day.

Lighting a bee smoker seems simple—until you’re standing in your bee yard with a handful of smoldering burlap and a hive full of increasingly annoyed honey bees. If you’ve ever struggled to keep your smoker going long enough to finish an inspection, you’re not alone. In this post, I’ll walk you through how I light … Read more

How to Harvest Honey: 5 Essential Steps for Beekeepers

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Beekeeper slicing capped honeycomb from a wooden frame onto a plate, surrounded by homemade pastries and honeycomb servings on a floral tablecloth.

Harvesting honey can be a rewarding experience for both beginners and seasoned beekeepers alike. Knowing the essential steps to effectively harvest honey ensures that you can gather this sweet product safely and efficiently. By following a structured approach, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor while maintaining the health of your bee colonies. Equipped … Read more